Updated December 31, 2014 at 9:17 AM;Posted December 31, 2014 at 9:11 AM

Alabama Football Superdome Media Day - Sugar Bowl Week

Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon (4) arrives at Alabama's Sugar Bowl media day in the Superdome, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in New Orleans. Alabama squares off against Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl Jan. 1, with the winner moving on to the college football playoff final Jan. 12 in Arlington, Texas.
Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com
(VASHA HUNT)

NEW ORLEANS - Alabama leading rusher T.J. Yeldon will "probably be a game time decision" for Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal at the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State on Wednesday, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said on Thursday.

"He's been able to practice each and every day that we've been here and he's looked better and better each day," Saban said Wednesday at the final coaches press conference before the Sugar Bowl. "We're very hopeful. It'll probably be a pregame decision.

"With all injured players, they're always involved and whether they're able to go out and do their job effectively and we'll make that decision at that time but we're very hopeful that he'll be able to make a contribution in this game."

Yeldon, a junior, is Alabama's leading rusher with 932 yards. Sophomore Derrick Henry has rushed for 895 yards, including a season-high 141 in the SEC Championship against Missouri.

Fullback Jalston Fowler hasn't carried the ball much this year, but is another option.

"I don't think there's any question about the fact that we've always played more than one back and we have confidence in (Fowler and Jones)," Saban said. "Jalston Fowler has played many roles for us this year and always been very effective in whatever role that has been and probably has as much diversity as any player on our team. He's certainly done an outstanding job this year.

"Tyren Jones, when he's had an opportunity, has done a good job for us and Derrick Henry has played better and better as the year has gone along and played some of his best football at the end of the season.

"We're very confident in all those players. They have an opportunity in the game that they're capable of going in and doing a very good job for us."